General Council update
The General Council of the University was set up by Act of Parliament to give voice to the views of graduates and academic staff on the regulation and wellbeing of the University.
The General Council meetings were held in January and June 2019 in the Senate Room, Gilbert Scott Building, University of Glasgow. The Chancellor, Professor Sir Kenneth Calman, was in the chair.
During the Principal’s report to the meetings Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli outlined the financial position of the University and further information can be found in our financial statements.
The General Council noted a summary of financial details, including the positive financial performance, which was particularly important since it underpinned the investment in staff and in the campus which was a key factor in attracting students over the next decades. The importance of tuition fee income was highlighted as a contributor to the University’s ability to invest.
The General Council noted that the University continued to make good progress in the league table rankings, and it was also noted that the Senior Management Group of the University continued to monitor Brexit developments. The Principal also reported that progress was being made on a number of the primary KPIs that were part of the University’s Strategic Plan. A new plan is in development which will run from 2020–25.
The meetings had received reports from the new Convenor of the Business Committee, Rev Stuart MacQuarrie, as well as SRC President Lauren McDougall and Director of the Careers Service Linda Murdoch. As the new Convenor, Rev MacQuarrie envisaged the General Council Business Committee as a channel for alumni to engage with the University. He would be asking its members for ideas about its future role and purpose and about ways in which it might develop. The ideas would be worked up over the coming year by the committee so that it could contribute to University life and link to alumni as best as possible, in a broader way than at present.
If you wish to get more involved with the General Council or the General Council Business Committee, email clerkgc@glasgow.ac.uk.
At the June meeting the Chancellor announced that he would be stepping down in 2020, after 14 years in the role. He was very proud to have been in the role and to have been part of the wonderful place that is the University of Glasgow and to have been involved in the amazing changes that are currently ongoing.
Information on the election for the Chancellor and dates of the General Council meetings in 2020, as well as full meeting minutes, can be found at the General Council.